In an era marked by profound scientific breakthroughs and economic strides, the world grapples with escalating challenges—environmental degradation, climate change, widening economic divides, and enduring conflicts. Central to addressing these crucial issues is the power of design. This year's Tokyo Forum at the University of Tokyo highlights design as a transformative strategy, essential for envisioning a sustainable and equitable future for our planet and society.
Design stands at the forefront, not only as a creative endeavor but also as a collaborative and integrative practice that sparks innovation and generates opportunities. The concept of design is critical for problem-solving as it brings together diverse perspectives and expertise.
Educational and research institutions are positioned to take the lead during a critical juncture in history, acting as catalysts that unite governments, private sectors, and civil society. We must nurture a new generation of changemakers equipped with a design mindset to lead transformative changes—those who see connections where others see divides and those who are willing to traverse across disciplines where others may hesitate.
The Tokyo Forum 2024 serves as a dynamic platform where thinkers and innovators from varied fields—researchers, artists, public sector specialists, business leaders, and entrepreneurs—converge from across the disciplines and across the globe. Together, they will engage in vital dialogues, share insights, and collaborate on innovative designs that promise to reshape our world.
Join us as we explore the role of design in crafting the future, forging paths through creativity and collective exploration, and driving the kind of change that will define the generations to come.
SCHEDULE
13:00 - 13:30
Opening speeches by the organizers: The University of Tokyo and the Chey Institute of Advanced Studies
13:30 - 14:30
14:30 - 15:30
In this session, alongside our Keynote Speakers, we will delve further into interdisciplinary discussions on creating our future society, joined by Professor CHOI Junho of Yonsei University and moderated by AOKI Naomi, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy, UTokyo.
15:50 - 16:50
Gendered Innovations Shaping the Future: Changes in Evaluation, Funding and Education for Science
This session will discuss the importance of Gendered Innovations (GI) and its impact on science and technology. With key contributions from GI pioneer Professor Londa Schiebinger, along with experts from South Korea, Japan, and an international journal editor, the session will explore the future of science shaped by GI, focusing on the need for research evaluation and gender education in STEM fields.
17:10 - 18:10
Designing New Solutions for Social and Environmental Challenges
This session will explore concrete actions that business leaders can take to address social and environmental challenges, and discuss "outcome-based funding," a measure implemented in both South Korea and Japan, and explore ways for business leaders from both countries to collaborate on implementing these new solutions.
13:00 - 14:00
Inclusive Urban Planning - a Dialogue between Urban Planning and Economics on Social Common Capital
This session will explore how inclusive urban development can be realized. By reviewing institutional and infrastructural frameworks from the perspective of social common capital, the discussion will focus on creating accessible and affordable living environments. The goal is to establish collaborative approaches between urban planning and economics that foster sustainable cities where diverse communities can thrive.
14:20 - 15:20
Over the past few months, 20 university students from South Korea and UTokyo, working in five different groups, have conducted research on the issue of low birth rates—a challenge both countries face. In this session, each group will present their findings and share insights gained from this international joint project.
15:40 - 16:40
Design Unbound - Fusions, Frontiers and Boundary Breaking in Design
This session will explore how design goes beyond aesthetics, and has emerged as a dynamic force that collaborates with various disciplines to drive innovation and social change. It will delve into the power of design to create groundbreaking possibilities through interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting UTokyo’s pioneering initiatives and the development of a new approach to design education.
17:00 - 18:00
We will look back on this year’s two-day Forum together with the young generation who will shape our future. The panel will feature four students from Youth Session, along with President FUJII of the University of Tokyo. The session will be moderated by AOKI Naomi, Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy, UTokyo.
18:00 - 18:30
Closing speeches by the organizers: The University of Tokyo and the Chey Institute of Advanced Studies
